Cyril Davies British bluesman Date of Birth: 23.01.1932 Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Cyril Davies
2. Music Career
3. Later Years and Tragic Passing
4. Legacy

Biography of Cyril Davies

Cyril Davies was born in 1932 in Denham, Buckinghamshire, near London. He was the son of William Albert Davies, a worker, and his wife Margaret Mary, née Jones. Cyril had a brother named Glyn, and their family was believed to have Welsh origins. From a young age, Cyril developed a love for music, particularly blues and folk. He and his brother began learning to play the guitar together, and Cyril later taught himself to play the banjo, ukulele, and harmonica. He even mastered the 12-string guitar, a unique talent for that time.

Music Career

Cyril began his professional music career in the early 1950s, playing with various bands such as the "Southern Stompers." He collaborated with other musicians and soon gained recognition as a talented blues harmonica player. A notable partnership was formed with Alexis Korner, and together they became influential figures in popularizing blues music in the UK. They opened the "London Blues and Barrelhouse Club," where legendary blues artists like Muddy Waters, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, and Memphis Slim performed.

After the club closed, Cyril formed his own band and continued to collaborate with other musicians. In 1962, he reunited with Alexis Korner to open the "Ealing Club," which became a renowned venue for their newly formed band, "Blues Incorporated." The band featured Jack Bruce on bass, Dick Heckstall-Smith on saxophone, and Charlie Watts on drums. Cyril's reputation as a blues musician grew, and the club became a gathering place for aspiring musicians and influential figures such as Rod Stewart, Paul Jones, Keith Richards, Eric Burdon, Mick Jagger, Brian Jones, Ginger Baker, and many others.

Later Years and Tragic Passing

By the end of 1962, tensions arose within the band as some members wanted to play pop hits while Cyril remained dedicated to original and fresh blues music. In October, he left "Blues Incorporated" and formed the "Cyril Davies All-Stars," later known simply as the "All-Stars," with an ever-changing lineup. In 1963, Cyril suffered from a severe pleurisy, leading to depression and heavy drinking. Sadly, in January, Cyril Davies passed away unexpectedly at the age of 31. The official cause of death was endocarditis, although some rumors suggested leukemia. The Cyril Davies band was inherited by Long John Baldry, who later formed the "Hoochie Coochie Men" based on its foundation.

Legacy

Today, Cyril Davies is often referred to as a "legendary" and "tragic" figure. He was one of the earliest pioneers of blues music in England and an incredibly talented musician and bandleader. His contributions to the British blues scene and his influence on future generations of musicians cannot be overstated. Cyril Davies's passion for authentic blues music continues to inspire and resonate with music lovers worldwide.